Man found unconscious after taking strong heroin still critical

David Allison

A MAN is still fighting for his life after taking a suspected strong dose of heroin at a Sunderland hostel.

Officers from Northumbria Police and the North East Ambulance Service were called to the Norfolk Hotel guest house in Norfolk Street, in the Sunniside area of Sunderland city centre, at 1.50pm on Saturday, May 2, after a 43-year-old man was found unconscious.

He was taken to the Sunderland Royal Hospital and it is believed he had taken some heroin which was stronger than usual.

The man is still on the critical list.

There were four other people at the premises who are also believed to have taken these drugs.

They were all conscious but feeling unwell. They were also taken by ambulance to Sunderland Royal and were released following treatment.

Following inquiries four people have been arrested on suspicion of being concerned in supplying controlled drugs.

A spokeswoman for Northumbria Police said: “The 43-year-old man found unconscious is still receiving treatment at Sunderland Royal Hospital.

“His condition is described as still critical and life-threatening, but stable.